Since time immemorial, plants have played an integral part in the development of human civilization. Today, interest in the plant products has increased around the globe for health as well as beauty care. Many plant based medicines are known to be economic and are found to be free from side effects. In India, plant based indigenous knowledge and traditional medicines are being used in various cultures and tribes.
Herbal Remedies for Enhancing Memory
The tribal healers inhabiting different remote pockets of India are the real powerhouse of such knowledge. They perform several healing practices in order to cure various health disorders. Find here some of such herbal formulations for enhancing memory power:
- Mix Bacopa monnieri (brahmi) powder with Saraca indica (ashoka) bark powder in equal amounts. Administer 5g of this formulation to the patient everyday. This formulation is said to be effective for improving mental clarity, confidence, intelligence and memory recall.
- Prepare Bacopa monnieri (brahmi) tea by soaking the same in hot boiling water. Steep for some time, filter and drink when cold, on an empty stomach daily.
- Soak 4-5 Prunus amygdalus (badam) in water overnight. In the morning remove the skin, grind, and boil in 200 ml milk. Add a teapoonful of ghee (clarified butter) and sugar to taste and drink. Continue every day for about a month.
- Eating half cooked Trigonella foenum-graecum (dana methi) curry is known to be beneficial for increasing memory power.
- A handful of Juglans nigra (walnut) consumed daily with about 10 g of figs or raisins act as an effective home remedy for weak memory.
- One teaspoon of Asparagus recemosus (satavari) root powder taken with milk everyday works as an effective memory enhancer.
- To enhance memory power, Centella asiatica (mandukparni) leaves powder (5g), Evolvulus alsinoides (shankhpushpi) powder (5g), Prunus amygdalus (badam) seeds (2 nos.) and Elettaria cardamomum (elaichi) fruit (1 no.) are crushed in water. It should be boiled in milk and taken for 6 months.
- Nardostachys jatamansi (jatamansi) whole plant powder, Acorus calamus (ghodavach) rhizomes powder and Centella asiatica (mandukparni) leaves are taken in equal amount and administered to the patient with honey. This formulation also helps strengthen memory.
- Powder Glycyrrhiza glabra (mulaithi) roots, Asparagus recemosus (satavari) roots, Centella asiatica (mandukparni) and Evolvulus alsinoides (shankhpushpi) in equal amounts. One teaspoon powder with milk works as memory enhancer.
- Seeds of Saraca indica (ashoka) should be chewed with Piper betel (betel leaf) for three weeks for improving intelligence.
- Ground 3-4 Piper nigrum (black pepper) and make a paste in a teaspoon of honey. Consume this daily to help improve memory.
- About 1/4th of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (cinnamon) powder can be mixed with honey and taken everyday. Also, cinnamon powder can be consumed in tea or can be sprinkled over fruits.
Diet and Exercise
Include leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, lettuce and fruit such as apricots, mangoes, cantaloupe and watermelon in diet. Phosphorus rich fruits such as grapes, oranges, apples, figs and dates are considered to be best home remedy for weak memory Evidences indicate that foods containing omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for development of the brain and eyes. These are found in fish, walnuts, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, pumpkin seeds and soybeans.
A strong memory depends on the health and vitality of our brain. Give your brain a workout by indulging in some brain exercises. Include mental activities such as learning a new language, instrument, or sport, or tackling a crossword or puzzles. Yogic exercises, such as pranayam and meditation help a lot to enhance memory naturally. Avoid using sleep inducing drugs as these have an adverse effect on the overall health. Cut down on alcohol and tobacco consumption. Keep your stress levels in check. Make time for friends and fun as a joyous life comes with cognitive benefits.
Disclaimer: The above mentioned herbal formulations are for information purpose and have not been proven clinically. A proper advice from your family doctor should be taken before following any the above mentioned practices.
Sources:
- John Lust. The Herb Book, Publisher: Beneficial Books, ISBN-13: 978-0553267709. pp 688
- Garima Sancheti. Eat healthy to combat stress. suite101.com, October 5, 2009
Garima Sancheti - Dr Garima Sancheti is a PhD in Radiation and Cancer Biology from Rajasthan University, India. She has written various research articles in ...
